HEARTS have been given a week to pay their players December's wages in full - and have a further five days to ensure they make this month's payment.

An SPL sub-committee met today after players' union PFA Scotland submitted a formal complaint on behalf of Hearts' first-team squad on December 16, when wages were not paid on time for a third consecutive month.

December's pay remains outstanding and the SPL have made a series of demands in order to halt the financial uncertainty surrounding the club.

Today the sub-committee ordered December wages to be paid in full by 11 January. Interest on all sums overdue from October, November and December wages must also be paid by January 11 and this months salaries must be paid on time on January 16.

The club must also pay the claimants’ legal expenses and the SPL’s costs of today’s hearing.

Should Hearts fail to meet the deadline, fresh disciplinary proceedings would be opened, with unlimited sanctions available to the SPL including the possibility of a transfer embargo.

SPL Chief Executive Neil Doncaster said: "Today's decision demonstrates how seriously the SPL take late payments of wages to players.""

Hearts have avoided answering questions on the subject as a result of a media blackout, which has been in place since October 22.

The club this week partially lifted the media blackout by speaking to match broadcasters after their 3-1 Edinburgh derby win at Easter Road.

Manager Paulo Sergio told BBC Scotland he was expecting a difficult month with players expected to depart to reduce the wage bill.

Eggert Jonsson has already joined Wolves and Ryan Stevenson is on self-imposed leave with six months remaining on his contract after expressing his frustration at the financial uncertainty at the club.